CAFCC: Enyimba Walk Tight Rope, Lose To Raja In Aba

By Johnny Edward:
Enyimba Of Aba have a herculean task of reaching the final of the Total CAF Confederations Cup competition, following their 1-0 loss at home to Moroccan side, Raja Casablanca in Wednesday’s first leg clash played at the Enyimba International stadium in Aba, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.

Abdelilah Hafidi scored the winner for the Raja Casablanca two minutes into the second half.

Raja Casablanca dominated play and had the best chance of the first half in the 44th minute but Zakaria Hadraf failed to beat Theophilus Afelokhai from close range.

Raja Casablanca continued their possession play which carved out scoring chances but could not convert them.

At the start of the second half, Raja Casablanca made their pressure count when Hafidi struck what later turned out to be the solitary winner from the edge of the box after. The scorer latched on to a poor back header from Andrew Abalogu to his goalkeeper from inside the box.

Enyimba had a chance to restore parity from the spot after Sanad Masound was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Stanley Dimgba missed resultant spot-kick in the 68th minute

Enyimba have a mountain to climb in the second leg billed for the 24th of October in Morocco.

COMMENTS

Enyimba were not bad and the rains didn’t help matters. The missed penalty after the goalkeeper had gone the wrong way. Hard luck. But the game is not lost. Enyimba need a good psychologist to gear them up to turn this around in Rabat on 24 October. they can pull a surprise if they get their acts together.

However, I still think they’re missing the experience of Mfon Udoh and other key players. Raja is not Rayon Sports of Rwanda. These north African clubs are experienced in CAF Club competitions, even if they’re not better.

Raja team were determined to win especially after the cold reception of host team and the little help they offered to visitors. It s a shame we are in the 21st century and some people still believe they can win a soccer game outside the pitch.
Hicham from Morocco